Ane ganda ane nyama hazvienzani neakabata hwowa

Zviri nani kuwana chinhu chidikidiki zvacho pane kushaya zvachose

One with lean meat or merely the skin is better off than one with mushrooms

Something, however small or old, is still better than nothing at all. Simply put, half a loaf is better than no bread.

In many of our African cultures meat is a common and preferred part of any meal and is eaten in abundance at festivities and celebrations. Hence not having meat is considered a sign of bad or poor times. Wild mushrooms on the other hand sprout from the ground naturally. The proverb hence equates having, even just the skin of meat much better that having wild mushrooms.

The proverb is used to support those who may feel disappointed that they have not been able to attain or acquire as much as they could especially after a lot of energy has been expended in doing so. It’s a comforting proverb as it reminds us that things could be worse. However the proverb should not be used to show content or maintain the status quo but simply to encourage those who are disheartened. It can also be used to chide those looking down at someone who has struggled to get a little by also reminding them that the little that person has is still something.